Praia dos Coqueiros (Coconut Palm Beach) takes its name from the coconut palms that line this stretch of coastline in Aquiraz municipality, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Fortaleza, the state capital. Aquiraz holds historical significance as Ceará's first capital from 1713 to 1799, before administrative functions transferred to Fortaleza, and the municipality preserves colonial-era architecture including the Igreja Matriz de São José de Ribamar church dating from 1713. The coastal development accelerated dramatically with the establishment of Beach Park in 1985, which grew to become Latin America's largest water park, transforming the quiet fishing village of Porto das Dunas into a major tourism destination. Praia dos Coqueiros forms part of this coastal stretch where traditional fishing communities coexist with modern resort infrastructure, maintaining elements of authentic Cearense beach culture including jangadas (traditional wooden rafts with triangular sails) still used by local fishermen. The beach's position along Brazil's northeastern Atlantic coast places it within the zone of consistent trade winds that have made Ceará famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with predictable wind patterns from July through January creating ideal conditions for wind sports.
The beach extends along fine white sand backed by swaying coconut palms and beach almond trees providing natural shade, with the warm Atlantic waters averaging 26-28°C year-round making swimming pleasant in all seasons. The gentle slope of the seabed and generally calm conditions inside the reef line create safe swimming areas for families, though occasional stronger swells during winter months (June-August) can produce surf suitable for bodyboarding. Barraca-style beach restaurants line the shore, offering traditional Cearense beach service where visitors rent chairs and umbrellas while enjoying fresh seafood, caipirinhas, and coconut water served directly at beachside tables. Jangada rides with local fishermen provide unique cultural experiences, with hour-long excursions demonstrating traditional fishing techniques and offering different perspectives of the coastline from the water. The proximity to Beach Park allows visitors to combine natural beach experiences with waterpark attractions, while those seeking quieter alternatives can walk north along the shore toward less-developed sections where dunes meet the beach and beach volleyball games organized by locals welcome visitors to join. Kite surfing schools operate along sections of the beach during windy season, offering lessons for beginners and equipment rentals for experienced riders, with the wide beach providing ample space for safe launching and landing. Buggy tours departing from the beach explore coastal dunes and neighboring beaches including Prainha and Iguape, traversing sandy tracks through cashew groves and fishing villages. Sunset viewing is spectacular, with the beach's eastward-facing orientation providing views of the sun descending over the coastal landscape, painting coconut palms in golden light.
Restaurante Mirante do Santuário in Aquiraz serves siri (local crabs) prepared as casquinha de siri (stuffed crab shells with coconut milk and spices), moqueca cearense (fish stew with coconut milk, dendê oil, and cilantro), and camarão na moranga (shrimp cooked inside a pumpkin with creamy sauce). Marabô Beach Restô on Porto das Dunas beachfront specializes in peixe frito (fried fish) served whole with rice, beans, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and vinaigrette, lagosta grelhada (grilled lobster with garlic butter), and baião de dois (rice and beans cooked with queijo coalho cheese and sun-dried meat). Restaurante da Praia at Beach Park offers arroz de polvo (octopus rice with tomatoes and peppers), bobó de camarão (cassava purée with shrimp in dendê oil), and pescada amarela grelhada (grilled weakfish with lemon and herbs). Barraca Sol e Mar at Prainha features tapioca filled with queijo coalho and sun-dried meat, casquinha de caranguejo (crab shells stuffed with crab meat and spices), and macaxeira frita (fried cassava) served with spicy pepper sauce.
